Scars decisions — 2018

The Veteran's right ankle disability has been rated at 20 percent, the maximum rating available for limitation of motion. The Board found no evidence of ankylosis or other conditions that would warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's back disability, scars from spinal surgery, and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy are rated based on their severity. The rating for the back disability is denied as it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,A compensable rating (10%) has been granted for the Veteran’s painful and unstable scars.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including those for right shoulder disability, cervical spine degenerative disc disease, lumbar strain, left knee strain, right knee scars, bilateral hearing loss, and adjustment disorder with anxiety. The VA treatment records from December 2014 to the present are requested.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection and initial compensable ratings for various conditions, including left-hand disability, bilateral hearing loss disability, erectile dysfunction, scar on the back, and status post fracture of the right fifth metacarpal. The evidence did not support a finding of current disabilities or a link to service.

The Veteran's service-connected postoperative residuals of right foot surgery are granted with a 30 percent rating effective from November 13, 2006.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected scar, infraorbital, right eye is denied. The Board also finds that the Veteran's claim for service connection for loss of vision of the right eye (secondary to his service-connected scar) should be remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including addressing the issue of service connection for hypertension and referring the TDIU claim to the Director of Compensation Service for consideration under 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(b).

The Veteran's disability ratings for Right Shoulder Disorder, Neck Disorder, Back Disorder, Right Ankle Disorder, and Gastrointestinal Disorder were reduced from 10% to 0%. The reduction in the rating of scars was also granted.

The Veteran's initial rating for her tubal ligation scar was granted in 2009, and a subsequent increase to 20 percent was assigned in 2014. The Board has now remanded the case due to new evidence indicating that the condition continues to ulcerate and cause significant pain.

The Veteran's residual scar from a left facial laceration has been granted an initial 10 percent evaluation, effective August 27, 2013. The scar is considered to have one characteristic of disfigurement (length exceeding 13 centimeters), but does not meet the criteria for higher evaluations based on pain or instability.

The Veteran's representative formally requested the withdrawal of all appeals regarding increased disability ratings for Crohn's disease and scars, as well as a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities. The Board has dismissed these appeals.

The Veteran's death was not caused by his service-connected conditions, and the criteria for DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 were not met.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including PTSD and cervical spine disorder, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board granted TDIU based on the benefit of the doubt.

The Veteran's clothing was damaged by her service-connected back brace, and the Board has granted a clothing allowance for this issue.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's neurological impairment and scars/tightness. The claim for hypertension is not currently before the Board.

All appeals for increased ratings have been withdrawn by the Veteran. The claims are dismissed.

The Veteran's current scalp scar and cranial nerve neuropathy were incurred in service, and the Board has granted service connection for these conditions.

The Board denied an increased rating for the appellant's service-connected painful linear scar from his in-service appendectomy and also denied entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claims for chest condition, right eye condition, and headaches due to outstanding service treatment records and need for further medical examination.,No specific rating or effective date was assigned in this decision.

The Veteran's internal derangement status post-surgical repair with scar and osteoarthritis, left knee is rated at 30 percent effective April 22, 2016. The right knee strain, status post meniscectomy with chondrocalcinosis, degenerative joint disease is rated at 30 percent effective April 22, 2016.